davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

Oak Grove, in which the Union forces were
victorious and pickets from Heintzelnan's
and Summers corps were posted within four
miles of Richmond
The peneralship of Gems. Lee and Stone
wall jackson at this time commands admira-
ton. After finishing his movements in the
Shenandoah Valley, Jackson wrote 10 john
ston this significant letter, dated June e:
SHOULD my command be required at Rich
mond, | can be at Mechanics Run depot, on
the Central railroad, the second days march"
Lee, in command when the letter was re-
ceived, wrote him back that if he could leave
the valley, and could deceive the enemy" SO
as to make him believe he was still in the
Shenandoah region, to come on
The two generals hit on the plan OF appar-
emily sending re-enforcements from Richmond
to the Shenandoah, to jackson, giving the
impression that jackson still meditated mis-
chief in the valley. In reality, he was to
meet the re-enforcements and hurry back with
them to Richmond. Lawton's and Writings
commands were marched out of Richmond
with a flourish, care being taken that the
Federals should be aware of it. At Harris
burg Jackson met them June II, and all
started back to Richmond. The plan was a
complete success, and it was this trick which
for the third time prevented Mcdowell from
joining the army of the Potomac.
1t is to be noted that Secretary Stanton
only of all the Federal managers, was not de
ceived Ivy the ruse, but declared that Jack
sons real movement was toward richmond
Everybody was undeceived when, June 20,
Mcclellan hastily telegraphed that his plckets
were being driven in north OF the Chicka-
hominy.
Until then, day after day, it had been tele-
graphed 10 Washington, All quiet III
the army of the Potomac. So bent on
having additions TO his army had Nc
Clellan beeu that June 10 he had tele-
graphed Secretary Stanton, advising
that a considerable force be detached from
Halecks western department. and sent to
him. Long before this, early in March, Me
Clellan had been relieved from duty as com
mander of all the armies of the United States,
and made commander only of the army OF
the Potomac This was done, it was claimed
by President Lincoln, in order that the
general might give all his time to the war i'll
Virginia Mcclellan regarded il as humllla-
ton. and SAYS: THE order proved to be one
of the steps taken to tie my hands in order to
secure the failure of the approaching cam
paign" He believed that it emanated from
Secretary Stanton, and was issued out of
spite.
There was at that time no commander III
chief of all the armies. There were three III
dependent departments, with Mcclellan III
the east Or Potomac department, Fremont in
the central one. called the mountain depart
meut. and Hallcck over that west of the
Mississippi, called the department of the
! Mississippi.
From the time he made the brilliant cavalry
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

br-'' h[>i>''' .'' N'' IL" or the At tiipit-
dale June 80 the first and heaviest blow of the
COnfcderateS fell with crushing fore" upon
Mccall. Col simmons met TIN. attack brayev
and drove the ConfederateS back into the. woods
Suddenly ehey turned, and pursued became pur-
suerS. There frghful slaughter, in which
Col Simmons mortally wounded. Presently
the Confederates made charge in wedge shape
They came down upon Randols battery with
irresistible fury. yelling like wild Indians. Moth
ing could withstand them. with men swarInug
under, over and around the guns and cutting looS'
the horses Gen. heaTDev said afterWa ard that artl
iery was ont of the question. Finally McCalls line
broke and he was driven to the rear, losing some
of the guns. kearney came to the rescue after
McCalrs defeat, and formed two lines in the
woods The Confederates charged the guns
three times during the afternoon, but were re-
pulsed each time. Gen. Mccall, in trying TO
rally his men, about dusk, was taken prisoner. At
Richmond he saw one Of his brigade generals,
Reynolds, captured at Gaines Mill.
Fresh troops coming from White Oak swamp
toward evening finished the fight and drove thu.
Confederates back and with the darkness the
battle of Glendale ended. At another point il,
the Federal line, Hunts artillery and Gen. Sykes
troops repulsed a Confederate attack, at Malvern
Hill making the third for that bloody June 80
Gen. Meade was dangerously wounded that day.
Tbe Federal line OF retreat had not been cut in
two though it had hecu fearfuy strained ana
that night and the next day the last Of the
weary Union troops struggled into the new camp
at Malvern Hill
But it was not to rest Tuesday, June |, oc-
Cured:
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02
The SEVEN DAYS.
Juna, 1887. Brings Back Their
Quarter Centenary.
49,.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
Splendid Fighting on the Bloody Re-
treat to the James River.

The Desperate Fights of Mechan'cs'ilie.
Gaines Mills, Savage Station, Glen
dale and Malvern Hill-The Route
from Yorktown to the James stre"n
with soldiers Graves
After the battle of Fair Oaks, both armies
rested while Hardly had Summers corps
crossed TO the south side of the Chicka-
hominy. May 81, 1862, when the Chlcka-
hominy rose in mighty food and swept all
before it, Summers Grapevine bridge IN
eh,ded. If the flood had come in the fore
noon of that day at Fair Oaks instead of
toward evening, the corps Of McClellan's
army south of the stream would have been
cut to pieces.
Only the railway bridge was left across the
Chickahomny, and over this were brought
supplies for the corps-keyes, Heitzelmans
and Sumner's-on the south side of the
stream. The base of supplies was still at
White, House, on the PaInunkey. The
ground turned into vast swamp, says Gen.
Webb, land the guns in battery sank into
she earth by their own weight"
Mcclellan began again in this swamp his
savorite work of throwing up Entertainments
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

them could only cover their retreat anu stop
the Confederate pursuit.
1t was Hoods and McLaw's Texan brigades,
of Whiting stlivision, that at last broke Fitz
John Porter's line. The regular and zouave
regiments did not break,
In the fight Of Gaines Mill two regiments,
one of New Jersey, the other of Pennsylvania,
were surrounded and taken prisoners. With
them was Brig. Gen. Reynolds.
Under the protection of MeagherS anu
French's brigades Porter>s whole corps, what
was left of it. retreated to the south bank OF
the Chickahominv. Some of his artillery
was left behind.
Thus one corps and a division OF McClel-
lan's army was made to fight more than two
thirds of the whole Confederate army around
Richmond. In this bloody battle Porter's
corps lost 5000 men, killed, wounded and
prisoners; the ConfederateS, $500.
Morning found Fitz John Porters corps
across the river, and the bridges destroyed
behind it. Stonemans and Emory'S cavalry,
cut off from the rest OF the corps escaped by
the WAY of White House and Yorktown and
went down the York river and up the James
and rejoined the army of the Potomac.
During the Peninsua' campaign the French
princes. the Due de Charities and the Comte
de Paris. received thorough experience of
American warfare. They served as aides on
McClellan's staff with the rank OF captain,
from September. 1851, to the close OF the
seven days lighting. They were the grand
sons Of King Louis Philippe, and were the
same two princes that have been recently ex-
lied by the French government. With their
uncle. the Prince de Joinvjle, they followed
the fortunes of the army Of the Potomac
They were brave, dashing young fellows
then, full of fun and Inerrment. They kept
up their own establishment, with their uncle,
who was very deaf. Some Of Mcclellan
happiest hours were passed in their tent, IN
those weary days.
At midnight after the disaster at Games
Mill Mcclellan sat in his tent and wrote to
Secretary Stanton dispatch. the like or
which was never sent by soldier to his Sll-
perors before: If | save this army now. |
tell You plainly that owe no thanks to you
or to any other persons in Washington. You
have done YOUR best to sacrifice this army.
Then he announced TO his officers his intention
to begin his march south TO the James. At
daybreak he was at Savage station, on the
York and Richmond railroad, breaking camp
and preparing for the journey TO the James
BY noon that day June -, Reyes division
had crossed White Oak swamp and taken po-
sition on the other side Of it to guard the pas
sage of ammunition and provision trans.
Summers, Heintzelnians and part OF Frank
Inns corps were to remain on the Richmond
side of White Oak swamp, to cover the move
ment of retreat. 1t was well planned.
There was slight action on the morning
of the 3>tn A heavy Confederate artillery
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

".
good, and | think the older officers OF the
army think So"
June 8, Gen. Robert Edmund Lee was ap-
2,oSnted to the command of the Confederate
army in Virginia. Thenceforward till the
end that illustrious name stood at the head of
it's roll of generals. Its defeats were his, It's
SUCCESSES his successes AT the time the war
broke out. Robert E. Lee was an officer of
ahirty-six years standing in the United States
army. He was S. years old His father was
slight Horse Harry Lee" of the revolution.
me officer who originated the fine phrase
about Washington. First in war, first in
7ueace and first in the hearts of his country
men"
Robert e. Lee was opposed to secession, but
he felt bound to the state of Virginia. There
fore. June IS, 1861, the day after the Virginia
ordinance of secession was passed, be went to
Gen. Scott and resigned his place In the
army. He said Of his resignation: "itwould
baye been presented at once but for the strug-
xle it has cost me to separate myself from
service to which have devoted all the best
years of my life and all the ability pos
Some Of McClellan's ablest officers were of
cusnion that he could have pushed on imme'
eiistely after the battle of Fair Oaks and have
taken Richmond without much difficulty.
The way was open there. But he did not
think So He simply crawled ahead little
further, and intrenched.
Meantime Gen. Lee began fortifying around
Richmond with all the resources at his COM
nand. In few days, almost as il by magic,
there appeared on every commanding spot
about the Confederate capital frowning de-
fenses and cannon and guards. After that it
was too late to take Richmond without great
loss
On June /, 1862, Mcclellan had with him
$500 fighting men-fve corps. Lee had So
762. Lees men were in divisions under Gems.
Longstreet, A. p. Hill, D. II. HILL Magruder,
Huger, Whiting and Jackson.
Cen George A. McCalrs division OF Penn
sylvanians that had been detached from Nc
Dowells corps, remained with Porters corps
on the north bank of the Chickahominy. On
the south bank, across the river, the Federal
soldiers were massed heavily about Seven
Pines IN this general direction:
Franklin,
T.. Sumner,
Y HeintZelnan,
White Oak Swamp.
As they faced toward Richmond Franklin
occupied the Federal right, Heintzelman the
left Keyes' corps was kept as reserve.
Gen. Franklin followed the fortunes of the
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

Mcclellan and Lee had each fixed on June
&c as day for attacking the other. Nc
C!cIlan meant to storm Richmond and take it
by assault Lee intended to attack Mcclellan
and raise the siege of Richmond But Nc
Clellan was behind Lee in moving, and
the Confederates got in their attack
first Then Mcclellan dismissed his plan OF
taking Richmond for the time, and made
preparations for secure retreat to the James,
which was now in possession OF the Federals
from its mouth nearly to the Confederate
capital.
The first battle of the seven days fighting
was that of Mechanicsville, June Is. A
slight skirmish had taken place June ..
Porter's corps was stationed around and to
the east of Mechanicsvil1e. Near here was
Beaver Dam creek, with Ellison's Mill upon
it, McCall's Pennsylvanians were stationed
On the rising ground near Ellison's Mill, COM
manding the creek. To the right, left and
rear of Mccall were Gems Reynolds. Martin
dale, Griffin, Meade and Seymour, with their
commands The troops were ranged half
moon shape on Beaver Dam creek. Mechan-
icsville bridge crossed the Chickahominy.
Stonewall jackson and his men were to be
in the rear of Mechanicsville ON the morning
Of the Goth Branch's Confederate brigade
was to cross the Chickahominy up near Rich
mond, move rapidly down the river road and
clear Meadow bridge of its Union guard, and
then strike eastward, join Stonewall jackson,
l. t.
of Mechanicsville Meadow bridge crossed
the Chickahominy north of the one at
Mechanicsville
As soon as Meadow bridge was cleared of
Federals. A. P. Hill was to cross it rapidly,
push still further south and then take the
road to Mechanicsvile. That movement
would leave the Mechanicsville bridge clear.
Longstreet and d. III. Hill were to cross it,
march hastily on end join the attacking
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02
GEN. PHIL KEARNEY.


in the Mexican war, and lost an arm while gal
lantly leading charge. July 2, 1852, at the close
of McClellan's Peninsula campaign, he was pro
NOTED to a major generalship for galIantry. He
did not longlv to enjoy his new honor, however.
He was killed at Chantilly, Va, Sept. I. two
months later
There was fighting all along the line that
bloody Monday, June30 Back at White Oak
Swamp bridge, on its south side, Gems Smith,
Richardson and Maggie were posted with their
commands and Ayres' and Hazards bat
teries. They had crossed White Oak Swamp
bridge and destroyed it behind them. Jack
son came up in hot pursuit, and there was
desperate fighting. Hazard was MORALLY
WOUNDED and his battery cat to pieces, but
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

still Jackson was held back whole day and
evening b. the FederaIs.
Still is the story told
How we'll Horatius kept The bridge
In the brave days Of old.
During the night the Federal forces dropped
southwark, still healing toward Malvern
Hill.
The same day, in the afternoon, the hot
fight at Glendale came off At Willis church.
near the village, McCalls division was posted.
1t had suffered frishtfully at Mechanicsville
band Gaines Mill, having been reduced from
10 OO0 10 5000. but it was here again, fighting
in tt thirl 4 of the battle at Glendale.
T. ,.,-..... r. y sion was at the right Of Mccall,
a. l. 4 southwark Summers corps
W eft Of Mccall with Hooker's
d Ill. umnrrs left Hooker and kear-
lit 81 ! to Heintzelman's corps.
I".. - ! had hoped to gain the interse"-
tion o. lie Long Bridge road before the FED
erals c,alr, pass it. But he was too late.
keyoo' and ForterS corps had already passed.
Hein;ltlmans and Summers men were at
Glonlale with only Franklin i'll The rear at
White Oak bridge.
Longstreet, finding 50 many Federals at
Glendale was obliged to wait till Magr1lder
came up Gen. Lee and jefferson Davis were
with LOngstreet, waiting to see the battle.
Gen. Couch took prominent part in the
first battle of Malvern Hill, which closed the
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

gallant and accom-
pliShed Of American
soldiers Of his time.
He was born in 1915,
in New York city,
and was educated at
Columbia college,
but afterward en-
tered the regular
army. He went to
France to pursue his
military studies,
joined the French
army and served with
such distinction in
Alglers that be re.
ccived the Cross OF
the Legion Of Honor.
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

at Gaines Mills,
facing the bridges
by which they
were to cross to the
south side of the
Chic k a h 0 miny.
The guns which
had alreadycrossed
lad been planted
on the other side
to face the bridges.
AT , o'clock in
t h e aft ernOon.
June -, A. ?. Hill
once more attacked
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

The Federal Gen.
Burns and his men
fought desperately,
The battle occurred
on Sunday.
KIT morning,
June 80. StOnewall
jackson crossed the
Chickallolnlny and
followed in pursuit.
Magruder moved
t ward Malvern
He'll.
The third fight
that took place on
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

with a few men.
Indeed, the Con-
federate tactics
TIL roug bout the
day, even in the
fight at Gain e s
Mill, were some
what similar, and
it is only fair to
say they succeeded.
Now, Sumner re-
ported that his
right was going to
be attacked in
stantly, then Smith
was sure the Con-
fad erateS wore
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

year before Rich
m ond fell, the
name Of J. E. B.
Stuart occurs con-
Stantly in encount-
ers with the army
of Virgin ia.
W h ere yer there
was opportunity
for Swiftness and
daring there he
was found. May
T., 1864, this ia
NOUS cavalry man
w as NOR t ally
woun d ed near
Richmond, in an
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02
THE BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.

This battle properly closes the terrific seven
days fighting.
AS the troops came in they were posted in
strong positions about Malvern Hill by Gen. Bar
nard, chief engineer. They changed front and
were faced toward Richmond.
II was finally settled, however, that the perma-
nent camp not to be al Malvern Hill but at
Harrison's landing, on the river, where supplies
could be better obtained and where the army
could be under the protection of the gunooats
Gen. Mcclellan went on board the Galena 10 con-
suit with Comrnodorc Rodgers about the supplies
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

fire forced Smiths
division to abandon
its position at Gold
ing's farm and
move nearer Say
age station. Lee be
lieved that McClel-
Ian would throw his
whole force back
north of the Chick
a h o m my, after
leaving Gaines
Mill, III order to
save White House
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

Franklin's corps
was moved across
to the right bank.
Fitz John Porter's
corps was the only
one rem aiming
upon the left bank.
In his testimony
before the court of
inquiry on the Pen
insula campaign,
Gen. S u m IL e l.
afterWard said: Il
was never in favor
Of { h o S e field
works. I think
they have a ten
dency to make the
men timid, and do
mora harm than
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

born in 1920; gradu-
ated at West Point,
and served in the
Mexican war. After
the civil war he en-
gagged in business
pursuits and held
important govern
ment offices under
Republican admins
trations. He is now
living at Gainesville,
Gal
On the morning
of the Goth Ma
gruder's division
made a lively at
tack on Summon.
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

army of the Poto-
mac till the close Of
the war. He was a
West Point gradu-
ate and became
major general Of
volunteers. After
the war he accepted
the place of vice
president of the
Colt Manufactur-
ing company, at
Hartford, Conn.
AS always, Nc
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02
SEVEN DAYS FIGHTING.

began to prepare for changing his base OF
supplies from the Pamunkey across the Pen
Ursula on the James river He did this in
view of possible defeat and disaster.
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

SO-chIlSl seven daI1
fighting. July i. He
vas Que OF the Old
school military men,
having been born in
1872. He was =
graduate of West
Point. and served il
The regular army
from 1886 till 1867,
attaining the rank rf
majo" general of
volunteers. He r.
signed from t i q
army at the close of
~ l,., ,v.,,. irl,,
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

and Heintzelman at Aliens farm, but was
three times repulsed Magruder went in
person to Lee to get re-enforcements in
vain. Lee had ordered Iuger and jackson
of somewhere else. ..~e..,Ss> .->...
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

engagement with Sheridan's troopers, and
died the same day.
St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-07-02

Y Heintzelman,
White Oak Swamp.
As they faced toward Richmond Franklin
occupied the Federal right, Heintzelman the
left Keyes' corps was kept as reserve
Gen Franklin followed the fortunes Of the
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-29

An Explain alton of the Periodical Return of
Financial Panics.

An Explanat alton of tho Periodical Return of
Financial Panics.
Hon. David A. Wells. in Popular Science Monthly.
AS prices fall and profits shrink, producers
working on insufficient capital by imperfect
methods soon obliged. in order to i'm
pending obligations. to force sales through
further reduction OF prices; and then stronger
competitors. in order to retain their markets
and customers, are compelled to follow their
ample, and this in turn IS followed by new con-
cessious alternately by both parties. until grad
ually the industrial system becomes depressed
and demoralized, and the weaker succumb (faili
with greater or less destruction of capital aud
waste of product Affairs now having reached
their minimum of depression recovery slowly
commences. CONSUMPTION is never arrested.
even if production is, for the world must
continue to consume in order that life
and civilization exist The continued
increase of population also increases the aggre
gate OF consumption; and, finally, the indus
and commercial world again suddenly realizes
that the condition of affairs has been reversed,
and that now the supply has become unequal to
the demand. Then such producers have
stocks on hand" or the machinery of proGuc-
ton ready for immediate and effective service,
realize large profits. and the realization of this
facs Immediately tempts others to rush into pro-
duction. in many cases with insufficient capital
raised often through stock companiesl, and
without that practical knowledge of the detail of
their undertaking which is necessary to insure
success, and the old experience of imitation and
reaction is again and again repeated Hence,
the explanation of the now much -talked-of
periods or ''cycles" of panic and speculation,
of trade activity and stagnation. Their
periodical occurrence has long been
recognized. and the economic principles
involved in them have long been understood.
But century ago or more, when such state of
affairs occurred in any country, it mainly
confined to such country. as was notably the
case in John Laws mississippi scheme" or the
English South Sea Bubble, " In the last century,
the industrial and financial crisis
which occurred in Great Britain in the earlier
years Of the present century-and people of
other countries hearing of it after considerable
intervals, and then vaguely through mercantile
correspondence, were little troubled or interest
ed. During recent years, however. they have
became less local and more universal, because
the railroad, the steamship and the telegraph
have broken down ths barriers between nations,
and by spreading in brief time the same hopes
and fears over the whole civilized world, have
made it impossible any longer to confne the
speculative spirit to any country.